The Matthews Board of Commissioners has voted to approve an ordinance implementing a ban on the use of coal tar sealants on parking lots in Matthews, making it the first municipality in North Carolina to do so.

Matthews, NC – The Matthews Board of Commissioners has voted to approve an ordinance implementing a ban on the use of coal tar sealants on parking lots in Matthews, making it the first municipality in North Carolina to do so.

Coal tar sealant is a shiny black product applied to asphalt surfaces to protect the pavement. Coal tar sealants contain high levels of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). PAHs have been shown to be harmful to aquatic life, air quality and the environment. Coal tar sealants have been identified by the National Cancer Institute as a carcinogen.

Coal tar sealants are no longer sold at major retailers including Lowe’s and Home Depot. The use of coal tar sealants is primarily by commercial contractors and distributors. A more environmentally friendly alternative is asphalt-based sealant. The Town of Matthews uses asphalt-based sealants and similar products that do not contain coal tar sealants in its pavement preservation program.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Stormwater Services presented this information at a Matthews Board of Commissioners meeting on Monday evening. The Board voted to approve the ordinance with a 30-day delay in implementation in order to notify the public. Those in violation of the ordinance, which goes into effect on March 14, 2018, could be fined up to $5,000 a day.